10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2007

CARNIVAL CORP Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Aug 31, 2007

Filed September 28, 2007For Securities:CCL

Summary

Carnival Corporation & plc's Q3 2007 filing shows robust revenue growth, driven by an increase in both passenger volume and onboard spending. For the three months ended August 31, 2007, total revenues rose to $4.32 billion from $3.91 billion in the prior year, with net cruise revenues up 12.1%. Net income for the quarter was $1.38 billion, a 12% increase year-over-year, resulting in diluted earnings per share of $1.67, up from $1.49 in the same period last year. The company reported strong operating income of $1.49 billion for the quarter, reflecting effective cost management despite increased fuel and pension-related expenses. The balance sheet shows a healthy increase in total assets to $33.19 billion from $29.87 billion, primarily due to significant investments in property and equipment and a rise in cash and cash equivalents. Carnival also highlighted its strong liquidity position and ongoing commitment to capital expenditures, particularly for new shipbuilding, demonstrating a focus on future growth and fleet expansion.

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenues for the third quarter of 2007 increased by 10.6% to $4.32 billion compared to $3.91 billion in the prior year.
  • 2Net income for the third quarter grew by 12.0% to $1.38 billion, compared to $1.23 billion in the same period of 2006.
  • 3Diluted earnings per share rose to $1.67 for the third quarter of 2007, up from $1.49 in the prior year's quarter.
  • 4Net cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended August 31, 2007, was $3.21 billion, an increase of 13.6% from $2.83 billion in the prior year.
  • 5The company's Property and Equipment, Net, increased significantly to $25.13 billion as of August 31, 2007, from $23.26 billion as of August 31, 2006, reflecting ongoing investments.
  • 6Total shareholders' equity grew to $19.71 billion as of August 31, 2007, up from $17.88 billion as of August 31, 2006.
  • 7Dividends per share increased to $0.35 for the third quarter of 2007 from $0.25 in the prior year's quarter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Revenue growth was primarily driven by a 12.1% increase in net cruise revenues, stemming from a 9.4% rise in available lower berth days (ALBDs) due to fleet expansion and increased net revenue yields. Higher ticket prices and increased onboard guest spending also contributed significantly, boosted further by a weaker U.S. dollar relative to the euro and sterling.

Net cruise costs increased by 13.1% to $1.61 billion, largely in line with the increase in capacity (ALBDs). Key cost drivers included higher fuel prices (up $26 per metric ton), increased pension fund expenses, and currency fluctuations. The company also saw increased depreciation and amortization due to fleet expansion and the weaker dollar.

Carnival Corporation & plc projects a year-over-year increase in its ALBD capacity of 7.6% for the fourth quarter of 2007 and anticipates further growth in subsequent years, primarily due to new ship deliveries. They also announced a new joint venture, Iberocruceros, to establish a Spanish cruise line, indicating strategic expansion efforts.

The filing mentions potential risks including general economic conditions, geopolitical events, competition, accidents, adverse publicity, regulatory changes, and operating costs such as fuel and interest rates. A lawsuit regarding copyright infringement of musical plays performed on ships is also noted as ongoing, with an indeterminate outcome. Additionally, contingent obligations related to ship lease transactions are disclosed, though management believes the risk of actual payment is remote.